Parish of St. Anne, Chingford

Additional Reports for the APCM 22nd October 2020

Report of the Electoral Roll Officer

Last year there were 59 people on the electoral roll, 32 resident and 27 non- resident. The Electoral Roll was revised in March in preparation for the planned April AGM. Since the 2019 revision Vera Cecelia Humphreys and David Ransome Rolfe had deceased and Elijah Elimi, Jenny Daphne Howland and Edna May Langsdon being non-resident had ceased regular attendance. Laurin Shirley Abraham, Ronald Abraham, Isaac Denis, Miles Denis, Edith Domskiene, Mark Ebden, Otis Edward Griffin, Oluwayemisi Grace isijola, Victoria Omosanya and Mahesh Munidasa Weerakkodyge had joined the roll. A second revision was made in October in preparation for this meeting at which time Margaret Halford had deceased. There are now 63 people on the electoral roll, 40 resident and 23 non-resident. Steve White, Electoral Roll Officer October 2020

Churchwardens Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Church

Every five years, every church has to be inspected by an architect or surveyor approved by the diocese - the Quinquennial Review. (S)he makes a report on the state of repair of the church, setting out any items for urgent action, other works that should be carried out during the years before the next inspection, and any longer term issues, to help with future planning and budgeting. The wardens and PCC need to follow through on these recommendations.

St Anne’s Quinquennial Review was due in 2019. As reported last year, the PCC had appointed Mr Sherry Bates of Bates,Zambelli Chartered Architects, following the retirement of our previous architect, and he undertook the review in May 2019.

General Condition of the church building The report states: “ The church is showing its age but has been looked after by the congregation over the years. It is generally in good condition without major defect. Owing to the nature of the roof coverings, the church should plan for renewal of mineral felts over the next 2 decades. There is however opportunity to plan this and treat each roof separately, as it reaches the end of its serviceable life.

“ The crack at the north porch has been checked by a structural engineer but should continue to be monitored.”

Recommendations for action The report sets out the following recommendations: 1. Urgent works requiring immediate attention

• Arrange an electrical inspection • Repair detached downpipe on the south aisle wall • formalise fire plan unless this has already been done • change any older light bulbs for low energy fittings

2. Works recommended to be carried out during the next 18 months

• Repaint cast iron downpipes that discharge on to the south aisle roof • Repaint cast iron downpipes on the south side of the chancel • Revarnish the plywood fascia to the west porch • Repair the corner of the brick pier on the south side of the porch • Rake out and replace all defective putties in the windows • Rub down and redecorate all windows • Repair broken cill of south clerestory window • Consult the fire service after a fire plan has been drafted • Remove plants growing in tarmacked areas • Repair eroded steps to the north porch • Repair broken bollards at the south side of the west carpark

3. Works recommended to be carried out during the quinquennial period

• Paint the vent grille on the tower east face • Replace missing cords to clerestory windows to enable them to be opened • Repair the parquet floor in the choir vestry, north aisle and renew the cork movement joint at the threshold • Repair west boundary wall where cracked • Repair tarmac of west end carpark and on the south side of the nave • Replace missing sections of concrete kerb • Replace the glazed panel of the noticeboard to the north porch • Repair brick planter by north porch

4. Works needing consideration beyond the quinquennial period

• Plan for significant roof renewals Maintenance items and items to monitor The architect’s report also includes a checklist of items for regular maintenance, and of items to monitor to check for any emerging problems.

Action taken to date On the items recommended for immediate action, the position is as follows:

Arrange an electrical inspection We have now confirmed that our most recent electrical inspection covers us for the period until January 2021. We will schedule the next inspection accordingly Repair detached downpipe on the south aisle wall Completed Formalise fire plan We have prepared a draft fire plan and are already acting on key issues. The plan will be finalised, in consultation with the fire service, during 2020 change any older light bulbs for low energy fittings This will be taken forward as part of the EcoChurch project.

On all other items, including repairs and monitoring, the Plant Committee has prepared a comprehensive checklist to help keep track of progress. Some of the maintenance items, notably keeping gutters, drains and roofs clear, are already being tackled.

We are fortunate to have a church that is in good repair and has been so well looked after through the years. We are especially grateful to Anthony Sullivan and the Plant Committee, and in particular to Anthony, Steve White, and Andy Crawford, for all they continue to do throughout the year to help keep the Church and its surroundings in good order.

Churchwardens March 2020

Proceedings of the Waltham Forest Deanery Synod 2019-20

The Waltham Forest Deanery Synod brings together clergy and lay representatives from every Anglican church in the borough, to work and worship together on issues of common interest, to take forward issues communicated from the Diocese and to offer input to the Diocese, and to offer mutual support. The Synod meets several times a year, with meetings led jointly by the Area Dean and the Area Lay Chair.

At the beginning of 2019 the role of Area Dean was vacant. The Synod’s meeting on 13th June at St Mary’s Church, , was led jointly by the Area Lay Chair, Vevet Dear, and the of West Ham, Elwin Cockett. The main business was an explanation by Archdeacon Elwin of the process for appointing an Area Dean, and the issues involved in arriving at an appointment. There were also updates on a number of live issues, as well as shared worship.

On Thursday 17th October the Deanery Synod met for a commissioning service of Rev David Britton, vicar of St John the Baptist Leytonstone as our new Area Dean.

On Tuesday 14th January a Deanery Congress was held at St John’s Church Walthamstow. Treasurers, Parish Giving Officers, Church Wardens, and other lay leaders were invited to join synod members at an event led by Peter, , with Archdeacon Elwin, and representatives of the diocese. The session focused on the need for churches to move from subsidy to sustainability in order to face the challenges of coming years from a strong position. (More detail on these issues will be given in the report from the Parish Giving Officer).

The meeting planned for Wednesday 25th March at St Gabriel’s Church, Walthamstow, for a consultation on releasing lay ministry in our churches, was cancelled on account of Covid 19 restrictions.

In addition to the Synod meetings, we have been please to welcome Vevet Dear, the Synod Lay Chair, to our Sunday services at St Anne’s on several occasions during the year.

Julie Adesina Lindsey Archer Heather Gwynn Rev Mick Scotchmer

St Anne’s Deanery Synod members March 2020

St Anne’s Church Centre

St Anne’s Church Centre continued to be a hive of activity week by week during 2019 with groups meeting to enjoy physical activity such as Line Dancing or to enjoy listening to a speaker followed by a cup of tea and a biscuit like Women’s Fellowship.

Activities and groups meeting week by week ranged from those for the very young to a fellowship with members in their nineties.

Preschool’s home was the Clubroom for five days a week in term time with six hour sessions from Monday to Thursday including lunch club on each day. On Fridays they gave way to the Toddlers at 12 for their two hour session.

In the Main Hall on a Monday morning the Line Dancers were in full swing. Women’s Fellowship met in the afternoon followed by the ‘Footsteps’ Dancing School and finally on a Monday evening there was a session of Yoga. Also on a Monday evening Ju Jitsu met in the clubroom.

Tuesday morning saw the Weight Watchers meeting in the Main Hall while in the evening in the Clubroom there was another Weight Watchers session. In the evening the 12th Brownies and Rainbows met in the Main Hall followed by one of the well established users of the Centre, the Bridge Club.

In the Main Hall on a Wednesday morning saw Tai Chi, then a Keep Fit Class met in the afternoon with the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts taking over for the evening. A Pilates session was held in the Clubroom in the evening.

The afternoon on Thursday saw Alcoholics Anonymous then 2nd Rainbows meeting in the Clubroom, followed by Pilates. The Main Hall was quiet until the 2nd Brownies met in the evening.

The Toddler Group met in the Clubroom then the Main Hall on a Friday afternoon while Badminton used the Main Hall in the evening.

On Saturday morning a Tai Chi group sometimes met followed by a Drama Group meeting for two hours at lunchtime in the clubroom for part of the year. A Karate group met from 5pm in the Main Hall on a Saturday afternoon.

On the 1st Saturday morning once a month there was a Mini Market and the 2nd Saturday bi-monthly saw the Larkswood Ward Councillors holding their surgery. Often on a Saturday afternoon there was a child’s Birthday Party. In the evening there might be a Quiz Night or another social event.

Sunday saw Scramblers meeting in the Clubroom during the 10am Eucharist. There were refreshments in the Main Hall after Eucharist with a Simple Lunch on the 4th Sunday. In the afternoon there could be another children’s party.

As well as leading activities in the Centre myself I am kept busy with enquiries to use the hall either for a regular activity or for a one off occasion. We trust that those using our Church Centre will realise there is a welcoming Church next door.

Beryl Stratton October 2020

Environmental Report

Waste Collection We continue to use as many recycling bins as possible. The green and brown “Wheelie” bins are the same as the usual Waltham Forest recycling bins. The green bins are used for the recycling of all paper, cardboard, metal foil, glass and plastics. The brown bins are used for the recycling of all plant and food matter. The grey “Wheelie” bins and the large red “Biffa” bin should only be used for non-recyclable waste. We should ensure that all waste that can be recycled, is recycled. This is very important, both here at St Anne’s, and in our homes. Solar Panels These were installed in November 2011. During 2019 these panels have generated almost kWh 3,700 thereby reducing our carbon footprint by a substantial amount. In addition to this they have contributed £1,985 towards church funds. The income that is now being generated by these panels is due to the generosity, and foresight, of those members of our congregation who committed to helping out with the cost of fitting these panels. Their generosity means that the cost of these panels has now been recouped. All future energy and income generated can, therefore, be deemed a “free” contribution to St Anne’s. Textile Recycling In 2019 we collected over 2,060 kg (2 tons) of textiles. This was slightly less than the previous year. New, and some nearly-new, items were retained for sale at St Anne’s events during the year. Many items of clothing were also sold at our regular Mini- Markets. Other clothing is sent abroad to Africa, and other developing nations, to be reused. Low grade textiles are made into industrial wiping cloths. This recycling reduces the amount of materials sent to landfill and generated £824 towards church funds. Church Garden The gardens continue to play an important part in St Anne’s care of God’s creation and provide an area of tranquillity for all who care to make use of them. Amongst the wildlife observed over the past year are many species of birds, foxes, hedgehogs, rabbits, frogs, newts and many smaller creatures. We continue to grow a variety of fruit, vegetables and other plants, in a manner which utilises as much natural and organic material as possible. We also have beehives in the gardens which provide homes for bees which are, of course, one of the most essential creatures on earth as they are pollinators of many of our plants. Our thanks go to Michael and Norma for the upkeep of the hives and their donation of jars of honey produced by the bees from these hives. Donations received including those in respect plants, fruit, vegetables and honey more than cover the cost of leasing and maintaining the gardens. The gardens are used for a number of events, such as Chingford Hatch Day, which provide an excellent opportunity for outreach to our local community. If you are interested in helping in the gardens or have ideas of making further use of the gardens, we would love to hear from you. Please speak to Andy, Anthony or Val. Heating and Insulation At the 2018 AGM we stated that “there were plans to insulate the main church hall roof when it is re-felted”. This has not been done, however, the repairs to both the main hall roof and the lower flat roof have now been completed. Ink Cartridge Recycling We regret that we are no longer able to recycle Ink Cartridges, however, some manufacturers have recycling schemes. We encourage everyone to make use of these schemes if possible.

Andy Crawford Anthony Sullivan October 2020